West Lakes and Royal Park groundwater prohibition area

Consultation concluded on 6 November 2023. The West Lakes and Royal Park GPA was established on 14 December 2023.

West Lakes


The EPA has established a groundwater prohibition area (GPA) in parts of West Lakes and Royal Park (please refer to the map).

Groundwater is water that is present underground within rocks or sediments and can be accessed by a bore. Most properties do not have access to groundwater.

The EPA undertook an environmental assessment in West Lakes and Royal Park which confirmed the presence of per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and metals in groundwater above relevant guidelines.

The GPA was established on 14 December 2023 and published in the Government Gazette. The GPA extends to a depth of 13 metres below ground level.

Taking of groundwater is prohibited in the Quaternary sediments (comprising the Saint Kilda Formation and Pooraka Formation), up to 13 metres below ground surface within the specified area. A maximum fine of $8,000 may be issued to persons using groundwater at their property.


The EPA has established a groundwater prohibition area (GPA) in parts of West Lakes and Royal Park (please refer to the map).

Groundwater is water that is present underground within rocks or sediments and can be accessed by a bore. Most properties do not have access to groundwater.

The EPA undertook an environmental assessment in West Lakes and Royal Park which confirmed the presence of per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and metals in groundwater above relevant guidelines.

The GPA was established on 14 December 2023 and published in the Government Gazette. The GPA extends to a depth of 13 metres below ground level.

Taking of groundwater is prohibited in the Quaternary sediments (comprising the Saint Kilda Formation and Pooraka Formation), up to 13 metres below ground surface within the specified area. A maximum fine of $8,000 may be issued to persons using groundwater at their property.